Richard J. "Rick" DeVore Sr.

Richard J. "Rick" DeVore Sr., 56, of East Stroudsburg, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Lang) DeVore, who died on the same date, Sept. 3, 2009.

Born in East Stroudsburg, he was the son of the late Russell and Catherine (Repsher) DeVore. He was a lifelong resident of Monroe County.

Rick was a employed as a bus driver for Monroe County Transit Authority for the past 28 years. Prior to that, he worked for the former Olympic Reconditioning of Stroudsburg. He also worked at the former Mosier's Dairy in East Stroudsburg and also worked as a landscaper.

Rick's favorite thing was putting smiles on children's faces; he would do this by playing Santa Claus. For many years, he would visit sick children and special needs children, he would visit nursing homes and other senior citizens who couldn't get out of their homes, and last year did the tree lighting. He also played Santa Claus while working, driving the bus. He was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan and his dog, Buster, was his best friend.

Rick is survived by his children, Richard J. "Ricky" DeVore Jr. of East Stroudsburg, Brian C. Benning and his fiancÚ, Kelly Oxley, of Milford, Christina F. Thornton and her husband, William H., of East Stroudsburg, Norris Benning and his fiancÚ, Erin, of Lower Mount Bethel, and Ashley Leskowsky and her husband, Stephen, of Florence, S.C. He is also survived by many grandchildren.

He is survived by his siblings: Russell DeVore of Pennsylvania, Charles DeVore of North Carolina, Christina Rutt of Florida; Robert DeVore, David DeVore and Wanda DeVore, all of Stroudsburg; and Glenn DeVore of Indiana. Also many nieces and nephews and his mother-in-law, Betty Henry.